8th March 2017, New Delhi : Mrs.Leher Sethi, Secretary, ICUNR & Mr. Neeraj Kumar (Founder – Le Magnifique Group) hosted an afternoon to celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday, 8th March 2018 at Le Meridien, New Delhi in the presence of Chief Guests ShriHaribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, Honourable Minister for Coal and Mines, Government of India and Shri Virendra Kumar, Honourable Minister of State for Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. The Central Theme of the ceremony was to recognize and honour Outstanding Women Achievers of 2017, followed by a Panel Discussion on “Beti Bachao, Beti Padao– The Survival, Protection and Education of the Girl”.

The panelists Asha Devi, Karuna Nundy, Kaushalya Reddy and Nandita Khuranna discussed various issues and challenges faced in India vis’a vis empowering women. The collective mood of the rapt audience was pensive and somber while the discussion was going on, owing to the seriousness of the situation and the grave need for things to change.

The event was commemorated in the presence of UN delegates, Embassy Heads, Select Diplomats and celebrities. International Women’s Day was celebrated by awarding women achievers from different genres for their exceptional contribution in their respective fields.

The Ministry of Women & Child Development supported the event this year under their campaign of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.

The event was organized in partnership with brands like Aparna Garv Consultancy and Wonder Women with the Indo-french Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Grafitoon supporting the event. The awardees were gifted products from Yves Rocher, Raw Pressery and Da Milano.

The guests were welcomed with a note by Ms. Leher Sethi, which was followed by the felicitation of the Chief Guest and the Guests of Honour. The evening witnessed some power packed acceptance speeches along with encouraging and inspiring words from Hon’ble Ministers Shri Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, Honourable Minister for Coal and Mines, Government of India and Mr. Udit Raj MP at Lok Sabha

On this occasion, Mrs Leher Sethi, the Official Co-ordinator for ICUNR said, “The purpose of celebrating International Women’s Day is to showcase commitment to women’s equality, launch new initiatives and to celebrate the various achievements of women. If we women start supporting each other and commit to empowering even one woman who needs our help, it will be a step in the right direction, and things can change. The only way to change things is to be the change!”

Mr Neeraj Kumar of Le Magnifique Group said, “International Women’s Day celebrations are a platform and a medium to convey our gratitude and wishes to women, for their unflinching contribution to the society at large. Having said that, Women’s Day is a celebration that cannot be restricted to a particular day and it is for us to make sure that we honour and celebrate womanhood across the year. My heartiest Congratulations to all the Award Winners for this year’s ICUNR International Women’s Day Awards.”

Mr K.L. Malhotra, Secretary General of ICUNR said, “Women’s have been suffering since long traditionally and historically and ICUNR supports their struggle against gender inequality, oppression, discrimination, sexual assault, domestic violence and denial of basic equal human rights. Celebration of International Women’s Day 2018 is the 9th edition of ICUNR and our focus is on Women’s emancipation and empowerment which lie in the theme of the year PRESS FOR PROGRESS and BE BOLD FOR CHANGE.”

Ms. Shahnaz Husain, CMD, Shahnaz group of companies said, “ I am honoured to be the recipient of the ICUNR International Women’s Day Award and to attend the celebrations with ICUNR and the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. I want to salute the independence of spirit that women have been expressing over the last few decades. They have made a mark in every field. I believe that with time the women of India will not only be skilled and financially independent, but a force to reckon with! I dedicate this International Woman’s Day to woman empowerment. .”